Ingredients
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 3 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large pot for boiling noodles
– Large skillet for meat sauce
– Mixing bowl for ricotta mixture
– 9×13 inch baking dish
– Aluminum foil
– Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. I usually cook them for slightly less time than recommended since they’ll also bake in the oven later. Once they’re tender but still firm, I drain them and lay them flat on a baking sheet to avoid sticking. Then, in a skillet, I brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. As it cooks, I love the aroma filling my kitchen; it smells so delicious! After draining any excess fat, I stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer while I prepare the ricotta mixture. (See the next page below to continue steps…)